Colleagues came back strongly after the bye weekend, posting wins in six out of our eight games – including our first silverware for 2019 in the Radford Cup.
Burke Cup played their best football of the year, running riot over a Blue Mountains side who were above them on the ladder heading into the match.
Tom Mullany led the side around the park expertly, while Will Crutchley was the commander of the forward pack as the team ran away to a 62-0 victory – setting the standard as the competition enters its second stage.
Drummoyne feature in the top 2 of both Burke and Ketnwell so this coming weekend is set to be a real litmus test for the top grades.
Whiddon picked up a gritty 8-0 over Blue Mountains, who had led the competition until that point. With just 8 competition points separating 1st and 7th on the ladder, this was an important win for Colleagues who sit just outside the top 4 but have a chance to claim top spot this weekend.
Judd and Barbour continued their strong recent form with convincing victories, while Sutherland won via forfeit and Halligans went down in a tough match to King’s Old Boys.
Radford Cup Final
The highlight of the round was undoubtedly our Colts II side who faced off with Mosman in the Radford Plate final.
Played under lights at Rawson Oval in the pouring rain, the match had all the ingredients for an ambush.
However, the young Colleagues men rose to the occasion as they played with more endeavour and skill despite the tough conditions.
The side was brilliantly led by captain Stu McLean and a committed forward pack, while Charlie Gulliver marshalled the backline around the park in atrocious conditions.
Special mention must go to all the Blue Giant supporters who made the trek over the bridge to ensure we outnumbered the Mosman sideline contingent who were huddled in the comfort of the clubhouse.
David Gooch and Jon Ryan in particular have been the cornerstones of the 2019 Radford Cup campaign, supporting the boys from Wollongong to Chatswood and everywhere in between.
